Massively multi-user MIMO using space time holography

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are antenna systems, wireless antenna controllers, and related methods. An antenna system includes a configured to receive an electromagnetic (EM) signal and propagate the EM signal as an EM reference wave. The antenna system also includes a tunable EM scattering elements, and a wireless controller. A wireless antenna controller includes an EM emitter configured to emit EM radiation to EM filters. The EM filters are configured to pass different sub-ranges of a frequency range of the EM radiation to the tunable EM scattering elements. A method includes wirelessly controlling the tunable EM scattering elements to deliver a different information streams to different far-end locations. A method includes controlling the EM emitter to modulate frequency content of the EM radiation to cause the tunable EM scattering elements to operate collectively according to different modulation patterns.

If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the filing date ofthis application, it is incorporated by reference herein. Anyapplications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119,120, 121, or 365(c), and any and all parent, grandparent,great-grandparent, etc. applications of such applications, are alsoincorporated by reference, including any priority claims made in thoseapplications and any material incorporated by reference, to the extentsuch subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the earliest availableeffective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the“Priority Applications”), if any, listed below (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Priority Application(s)).

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/357,754 to Eric J. Black et al., titled MASSIVELY MULTI-USER MIMOUSING SPACE-TIME HOLOGRAPHY, and filed Jul. 1, 2016, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by this reference.

This application is related to and hereby incorporates by reference U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/345,251 to Eric J. Black et al., titledMASSIVELY MULTI-USER MIMO USING SPACE TIME HOLOGRAPHY, and filed Nov. 7,2016.

If the listings of applications provided above are inconsistent with thelistings provided via an ADS, it is the intent of the Applicant to claimpriority to each application that appears in the DomesticBenefit/National Stage Information section of the ADS and to eachapplication that appears in the Priority Applications section of thisapplication.

All subject matter of the Priority Applications and of any and allapplications related to the Priority Applications by priority claims(directly or indirectly), including any priority claims made and subjectmatter incorporated by reference therein as of the filing date of theinstant application, is incorporated herein by reference to the extentsuch subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an antenna system.

FIG. 2 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method of operating theantenna system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a controller of the antennasystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of an antenna system having awireless controller, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method of operating anantenna system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method of operating awireless antenna controller, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented herein.

Embodiments of the disclosure include antenna systems and relatedmethods for generating modulated signals by modulating electromagnetic(EM) scattering elements rather than by modulating EM signals fed to theEM scattering elements.

Various features disclosed herein may be applied alone or in combinationwith others of the features disclosed herein. These features are toonumerous to explicitly indicate herein each and every other one of thefeatures that may be combined therewith. Therefore, any featuredisclosed herein that is practicable, in the view of one of ordinaryskill, to combine with any other one or more others of the featuresdisclosed herein, is contemplated herein to be combined. Anon-exhaustive list of some of these disclosed features that may becombined with others of the disclosed features follows.

For example, in some embodiments, an antenna system comprises: one ormore feeds configured to receive an electromagnetic (EM) signal andpropagate the EM signal as an EM reference wave; a plurality of tunableEM scattering elements spaced at sub-wavelength distances, the pluralityof tunable EM scattering elements configured to operate in at least twodifferent operational states to selectively scatter the EM referencewave as a radiated wave; and control circuitry comprising a controlleroperably coupled to the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements andprogrammed to modulate the radiated wave over time to deliver aplurality of different information streams to a plurality of differentfar-end locations by modulating the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements between the plurality of different operational states overtime.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes one or more feedsconfigured to receive a monochromatic continuous wave EM signal.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes one or more feedsconfigured to receive a modulated EM signal.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto control tunable EM scattering elements through control lines.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto control each of the tunable EM scattering elements individuallythrough a separate control line.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto control each of tunable EM scattering elements individually through acombination of signals from at least two separate control lines.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes control lines, whereineach of the control lines is isolated and decoupled from each of theother control lines.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of highfrequency EM transmission lines operably coupling a controller to aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, wherein the plurality ofhigh-frequency EM transmission lines is configured to transmit EM waveshaving a frequency of at least about twice a frequency of a referencewave.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality ofhigh-frequency EM transmission lines including a plurality of opticaltransmission lines, and a plurality of tunable EM scattering elementsincluding a plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elementstunable by optical signals transmitted through the plurality of opticaltransmission lines.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of opticaltransmission lines including a plurality of optical fibers.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality of photodiodes.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality ofphototransistors.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality of photoconductiveor photoresistive elements.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality of phase-changeelements configured to change phase responsive to heat deposition ofoptical radiation.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements at afrequency of at least about one (1) gigahertz.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements at atime scale that is longer than a time that it takes for a radiated waveto travel from the plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elementsto a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements as atemporal series of modulation patterns, wherein each modulation patternof the series is determined by solving a time invariant holographicprojection manifold function.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto solve a time invariant holographic projection manifold function usinga Green's function.

In some embodiments disclosed is an antenna system including acontroller programmed to modulate a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements at a time scale that is shorter than a time that ittakes for a radiated wave to travel from a plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements to a plurality of different far-endlocations.

In some embodiments, disclosed is an antenna system, wherein acontroller is programmed to modulate a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements as a series of modulation patterns, wherein at leasta portion of the modulation patterns of the series is determined bysolving a time variant holographic projection manifold function.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto solve a time variant holographic projection manifold function using aretarded Green's function.

In some embodiments, two or more different operational states of aplurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements of an antennasystem comprise more than two operational states.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto transition the antenna system between different holograms gradually.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto transition between different holograms by smoothing control signalsdelivered to a plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elementswith smoothed Heaviside functions.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto transition between different holograms by smoothing control signalsdelivered to a plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elementswith piecewise-trigonometric functions.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto transition between different holograms by smoothing control signalsdelivered to a plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elementswith spline polynomial functions.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent frequency modulated information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent amplitude modulated information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent phase modulated information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) data streams to aplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent analog modulated information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent digital modulated data streams to a plurality of differentfar-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent spread-spectrum modulated data streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a waveguide and aplurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements, which togethercomprise a metamaterial.

In some embodiments, at least some far-end locations of an antennasystem coincide with EM receivers.

In some embodiments, at least two EM receivers of an antenna systemcomprise multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) receiver devices.

In some embodiments, at least two groups of at least two EM receivers ofan antenna system comprise MIMO receiver devices.

In some embodiments, at least two EM receivers of an antenna systembelong to two physically separate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, at least two groups of EM receivers of an antennasystem, each having at least two receivers, belong to two physicallyseparate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, an antenna system comprises a plurality of acoustictransmission lines operably coupling a controller to a plurality oftunable EM scattering elements, and the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements includes a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements tunable by acoustic signals transmitted through theplurality of acoustic transmission lines.

In some embodiments, a plurality of acoustically tunable EM scatteringelements of an antenna system includes piezoelectric elements.

In some embodiments, a plurality of acoustically tunable EM scatteringelements of an antenna system includes magnetostrictive elements.

In some embodiments, a plurality of acoustically tunable EM scatteringelements of an antenna system includes microelectromechanical (MEM)elements.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a plurality of acoustically tunable EM scattering elementsat a frequency of at least about one (1) gigahertz.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a plurality of acoustically tunable EM scattering elementsat a time scale that is longer than a time that it takes for a radiatedwave to travel from the plurality of acoustically tunable EM scatteringelements to a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a plurality of acoustically tunable EM scattering elementsas a temporal series of modulation patterns, wherein each modulationpattern of the series is determined by solving a time invariantholographic projection manifold function.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto solve a time invariant holographic projection manifold functionsusing a Green's function.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a plurality of acoustically tunable EM scattering elementsat a time scale that is shorter than a time that it takes for a radiatedwave to travel from the plurality of acoustically tunable EM scatteringelements to a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a plurality of acoustically tunable EM scattering elementsas a series of modulation patterns, wherein at least a portion of themodulation patterns of the series is determined by solving a timevariant holographic projection manifold function.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto solve a time variant holographic projection manifold function using aretarded Green's function.

In some embodiments, two or more different operational states of each ofa plurality of acoustically tunable EM scattering elements of an antennasystem comprises more than two operational states.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto transition the antenna system between different holograms gradually.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto transition between different holograms by smoothing control signalsdelivered to a plurality of acoustically tunable EM scattering elementswith smoothed Heaviside functions.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto transition between different holograms by smoothing control signalsdelivered to a plurality of acoustically tunable EM scattering elementswith piecewise-trigonometric functions.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto transition between different holograms by smoothing control signalsdelivered to a plurality of acoustically tunable EM scattering elementswith spline polynomial functions.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent frequency modulated information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent amplitude modulated information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent phase modulated information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) data streams to theplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent analog modulated information streams to the plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent digital modulated data streams to the plurality of differentfar-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a controller programmedto modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality ofdifferent spread-spectrum modulated data streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a waveguide and aplurality of acoustically tunable EM scattering elements, which togethercomprise a metamaterial.

In some embodiments, at least some far-end locations of an antennasystem coincide with EM receivers.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes at least two EMreceivers comprising multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) receiverdevices.

In some embodiments, at least two groups of at least two EM receivers ofan antenna system comprise MIMO receiver devices.

In some embodiments, at least two EM receivers of an antenna systembelong to two physically separate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, at least two groups of EM receivers each having atleast two receivers of an antenna system belong to two physicallyseparate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a method of operating an antenna system comprises:receiving and propagating an electromagnetic (EM) signal as an EMreference wave with one or more feeds; operating a plurality of tunableEM scattering elements spaced at sub-wavelength distances in at leasttwo different operational states to selectively scatter the EM referencewave as a radiated wave; and modulating the radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations by modulating the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements between the plurality of different operationalstates over time.

In some embodiments, receiving and propagating an EM signal comprisesreceiving and propagating a monochromatic continuous wave EM signal.

In some embodiments, receiving and propagating an EM signal comprisesreceiving and propagating a modulated EM signal.

In some embodiments, operating a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements comprises controlling the tunable EM scattering elementsthrough control lines.

In some embodiments, modulating a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements comprises controlling each of the tunable EM scatteringelements individually through a separate control line.

In some embodiments, operating a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements comprises controlling each of the tunable EM scatteringelements individually through a combination of signals from at least twoseparate control lines.

In some embodiments, modulating a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements comprises controlling the tunable EM scattering elementsthrough control lines isolated and decoupled from each of the others ofthe control lines.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements through the control lines comprises controlling the pluralityof tunable EM scattering elements using a plurality of high frequency EMtransmission lines, and using the plurality of high-frequency EMtransmission lines to transmit EM waves having a frequency of at leastabout twice a frequency of the reference wave.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements using a plurality of high frequency EM transmission linesincludes controlling the plurality of tunable EM scattering elementsusing a plurality of optical transmission lines, and wherein theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements includes a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements tunable by optical signalstransmitted through the plurality of optical transmission lines.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements using a plurality of optical transmission linescomprises controlling the plurality of optically tunable EM scatteringelements using a plurality of optical fibers.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises controlling a plurality of photodiodes.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises controlling a plurality ofphototransistors.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises controlling a plurality of photoconductiveor photoresistive elements.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises controlling a plurality of phase-changeelements configured to change state responsive to heat deposition ofoptical radiation.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating the plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements at a frequency of at least about one (1)gigahertz.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating the plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements at a time scale that is longer than atime that it takes for a radiated wave to travel from the plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements to a plurality of differentfar-end locations.

In some embodiments, modulating a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating the plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements as a temporal series of modulationpatterns, wherein each modulation pattern of the series is determined bysolving a time invariant holographic projection manifold function.

In some embodiments, solving a time invariant holographic projectionmanifold function comprises solving the time invariant holographicprojection manifold functions using a Green's function.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating the plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements at a time scale that is shorter than atime that it takes for a radiated wave to travel from the plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements to a plurality of differentfar-end locations.

In some embodiments, modulating a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating the plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements as a series of modulation patterns,wherein at least a portion of the modulation patterns of the series isdetermined by solving a time variant holographic projection manifoldfunction.

In some embodiments, modulating a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements as a series of modulation patterns comprises solvinga time variant holographic projection manifold function using a retardedGreen's function.

In some embodiments, operating a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements in at least two different operational states comprisesoperating the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements in more thantwo operational states.

In some embodiments, a method comprises transitioning an antenna systembetween different holograms gradually.

In some embodiments, transitioning an antenna system between differentholograms gradually comprises transitioning between the differentholograms by smoothing control signals delivered to a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements with smoothed Heavisidefunctions.

In some embodiments, transitioning an antenna system between differentholograms gradually comprises transitioning between the differentholograms by smoothing control signals delivered to a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements with piecewise-trigonometricfunctions.

In some embodiments, transitioning an antenna system between differentholograms gradually comprises transitioning between the differentholograms by smoothing control signals delivered to a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements with spline polynomialfunctions.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different frequency modulated information streamsto a plurality of different far end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different amplitude modulated information streamsto a plurality of different far end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different phase modulated information streams toa plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM)data streams to a plurality of different far end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different analog modulated information streams toa plurality of different far end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different digital modulated data streams to aplurality of different far end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different spread-spectrum modulated data streamsto a plurality of different far end locations.

In some embodiments, propagating an electromagnetic (EM) signal as an EMreference wave comprises propagating the EM signal using a metamaterialcomprising a waveguide and a plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements.

In some embodiments, delivering a plurality of different informationstreams to a plurality of different far-end locations comprisesdelivering the plurality of different information streams to at leastsome of far-end locations coinciding with EM receivers.

In some embodiments, at least two of EM receivers include multipleinput, multiple output (MIMO) devices.

In some embodiments, delivering a plurality of different informationstreams to at least some of far-end locations coinciding with EMreceivers comprises delivering the plurality of different informationstreams to at least two groups of at least two EM receivers comprisingMIMO receiver devices.

In some embodiments, delivering a plurality of different informationstreams to at least some of far-end locations coinciding with EMreceivers comprises delivering the plurality of different informationstreams to at least two EM receivers belonging to two physicallyseparate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, delivering a plurality of different informationstreams to at least some of far-end locations coinciding with EMreceivers comprises delivering the plurality of different informationstreams to at least two groups of EM receivers, each having at least tworeceivers belonging to two physically separate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements with control lines includes controlling the tunable EMscattering elements using a plurality of acoustic transmission lines,and wherein the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements includes aplurality of acoustically tunable EM scattering elements tunable byacoustic signals transmitted through the plurality of acoustictransmission lines.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises controlling a plurality of piezoelectricelements.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises controlling magnetostrictive elements.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises controlling microelectromechanical (MEM)elements.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating the plurality of acousticallytunable EM scattering elements at a frequency of at least about one (1)gigahertz.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating the plurality of acousticallytunable EM scattering elements at a time scale that is longer than atime that it takes for a radiated wave to travel from the plurality ofacoustically tunable EM scattering elements to a plurality of differentfar-end locations.

In some embodiments, modulating a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating the plurality of acousticallytunable EM scattering elements as a temporal series of modulationpatterns, wherein each modulation pattern of the series is determined bysolving a time invariant holographic projection manifold function.

In some embodiments, solving a time invariant holographic projectionmanifold function comprises solving the time invariant holographicprojection manifold functions using a Green's function.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating the plurality of acousticallytunable EM scattering elements at a time scale that is shorter than atime that it takes for a radiated wave to travel from the plurality ofacoustically tunable EM scattering elements to a plurality of differentfar-end locations.

In some embodiments, modulating a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating the plurality of acousticallytunable EM scattering elements as a series of modulation patterns,wherein at least a portion of the modulation patterns of the series isdetermined by solving a time variant holographic projection manifoldfunction.

In some embodiments, modulating a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements as a series of modulation patterns comprises solvinga time variant holographic projection manifold function using a retardedGreen's function.

In some embodiments, operating a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements in at least two different operational states comprisesoperating the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements in more thantwo operational states.

In some embodiments, transitioning an antenna system between differentholograms gradually.

In some embodiments, transitioning an antenna system between differentholograms gradually comprises transitioning between the differentholograms by smoothing control signals delivered to a plurality ofacoustically tunable EM scattering elements with smoothed Heavisidefunctions.

In some embodiments, transitioning an antenna system between differentholograms gradually comprises transitioning between the differentholograms by smoothing control signals delivered to a plurality ofacoustically tunable EM scattering elements with piecewise-trigonometricfunctions.

In some embodiments, transitioning an antenna system between differentholograms gradually comprises transitioning between the differentholograms by smoothing control signals delivered to a plurality ofacoustically tunable EM scattering elements with spline polynomialfunctions.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different frequency modulated information streamsto a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different amplitude modulated information streamsto a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different phase modulated information streams toa plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM)data streams to a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different analog modulated information streams toa plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different digital modulated data streams to aplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, controlling a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements comprises modulating a radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different spread-spectrum modulated data streamsto a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, propagating an electromagnetic (EM) signal as an EMreference wave comprises propagating the EM signal using a metamaterialcomprising a waveguide and a plurality of acoustically tunable EMscattering elements.

In some embodiments, delivering a plurality of different informationstreams to a plurality of different far-end locations comprisesdelivering the plurality of different information streams to at leastsome of far-end locations coinciding with EM receivers.

In some embodiments, delivering a plurality of different informationstreams to at least some of far-end locations coinciding with EMreceivers comprises delivering the plurality of different informationstreams to at least two of the EM receivers comprising multiple input,multiple output (MIMO) receiver devices.

In some embodiments, delivering a plurality of different informationstreams to at least some of far-end locations coinciding with EMreceivers comprises delivering the plurality of different informationstreams to at least two groups of at least two EM receivers comprisingMIMO receiver devices.

In some embodiments, delivering a plurality of different informationstreams to at least some of far-end locations coinciding with EMreceivers comprises delivering the plurality of different informationstreams to at least two EM receivers belonging to two physicallyseparate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, delivering a plurality of different informationstreams to at least some of far-end locations coinciding with EMreceivers comprises delivering the plurality of different informationstreams to at least two groups of EM receivers, each having at least tworeceivers belonging to two physically separate receiver devices.

The disclosure relates to various applications of adaptive antennaarrays, in particular those based on Metamaterial Surface ScatteringTechnology (MSA-T). The disclosure also relates to other antennasystems, including, for example, power transmission antenna systems. Anyother systems where transmission, receiving, or a combination thereof,of EM waves is made may benefit from teachings of the disclosure.

In antennas based on Metamaterial Surface Antenna Technology (MSA-T),coupling between a guided wave and propagating wave is achieved bymodulating an impedance of a surface in electromagnetic contact with theguided wave. This controlled surface impedance is referred to as a“Modulation Pattern.” The guided wave in the antenna is referred to as a“Reference Wave” or “Reference Mode,” and a desired free spacepropagating wave pattern is referred to as a “Radiated Wave” or“Radiated Mode.”

The general method for calculating the modulation pattern for MSA-Tantennas is derived from holographic principles. In holography, thesurface modulation function is a hologram (ψ_(hol)) formed by a beat ofthe reference wave (E_(ref)) and the desired radiated wave (E_(rad)).This relationship can be expressed compactly as:

$\begin{matrix}{\psi_{hol} = {\frac{E_{ref}^{*}E_{rad}}{{E_{ref}}^{2}}.}} & \lbrack 1\rbrack\end{matrix}$Equation [1] suggests that the optimal modulation function depends onthe accuracy to which the radiated wave and reference wave are known.

MSA-T antennas include arrays of discrete radiating elements withelement spacing less than one wavelength (e.g., less than one quarterwavelength) at the operating frequency. Radiation from each radiatingelement can be discretely modulated such that a collective effectapproximates a desired modulation pattern.

As used herein, the term “metamaterials,” include their bulk(volumetric, multi-layer, 3D) version, and a single-layer version(sometimes referred to as “metasurfaces”). Metamaterials can be used aselectromagnetic holograms, both in the far field and a radiated nearfield. As used herein, the term “holographic projection,” refers to afield distribution created in a selected plane, surface or volume by aremote field source and a remote hologram. A holographic projection canbe viewed mathematically as a mapping between a source pattern and afield distribution observed in a select manifold (2D or 3D):{E _(hologram)(x _(i))}→{E _(observed)(x′ _(j))},  [2]where x_(i)∈Ω_(hologram) are selected points within the hologrammanifold, and x′_(j)∈Ω_(observed) are selected points within theobservation manifold. The bold face indicates three-dimensional vectors.This can also be written as a holographic projection functional:E _(observed)(x′)=P[E _(hologram)(x)]  [3]

Some scientific literature adopts the notion that a hologram is of lowerdimension than the manifold where the fields are created, leaving inreality only an option of projecting from a 2D surface into a 3D volume.In optics, however, it is widely accepted that holograms can be eitherthin (e.g., quasi-2D) or thick (e.g., volumetric), and the observationmanifold can be either in the far-field (e.g., on a 2D sphere) or on theradiated near field (e.g., 3D). These latter, more general notions ofholographic projections and holograms are adopted herein.

As used herein, the term “hologram” refers to a scattering and/orradiating medium, such as a metamaterial (including, by implication, ametasurface), which generates a holographic projection when properlyexcited with an intended field source. A hologram and a field source canbe co-located or even intertwined, or they can be separated by adistance. Holograms based on tunable and/or active metamaterials canchange as a function of time, based on a time-dependent actuation of thetunable elements and/or power sources embedded within suchmetamaterials. The same applies to adaptive antenna arrays, a class ofradiating structures that overlaps architecturally and functionally withtunable/active metamaterials.

As used herein, the term “monochromatic” refers to a single EMfrequency. For example, a “monochromatic signal” refers to an EM signalhaving a single frequency (e.g., a simple sinusoidal, continuous wave EMsignal). By way of non-limiting example, a monochromatic continuous waveEM signal may include a radiofrequency signal (about 3 kilohertz (kHz)to about 300 megahertz (MHz)), a microwave signal (about 300 MHz toabout 30 gigahertz (GHz)), a millimeter-wave signal (about 30 GHz toabout 300 GHz), or other signal.

Adaptive antenna arrays, as well as tunable/active metamaterials, derivetheir response from two distinct sources: a feed(s) and control lines.Typically, the feed is either a waveguide or transmission line, or anetwork of transmission lines. The feed could also be a plane wave oranother field distribution generated remotely, such as in dish and otherreflector antennas (e.g., adaptive reflect-arrays). The feed deliversthe majority or all of the power radiated by the adaptive antenna array.The control lines, on the contrary, typically do not deliver anysubstantial amount of power. Rather, the control lines are typicallyused to modulate the amount of power and the characteristics ofelectromagnetic radiation emitted from the antenna elements. Thestandard paradigm in adaptive antenna arrays, including phased arraysand MSA-T antennas, was to modulate the feed with frequencies containedin a selected radio frequency (RF) or microwave band, using the controllines only for beam pattern modulation on a relatively slow time scale.Under this approach, any and all receivers of signals from such anadaptive antenna array receive essentially the same information. Whilethis is useful for broadcasting, this technique is incapable of creatingmultiple independent communication channels or information streams,which would be useful in a multi-user communications system (e.g.,multi-user multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO)).

Disclosed herein are antenna systems and related methods that usetime-dependence of control signals to generate time-dependentholographic projections, and that use those holographic projections toconduct wireless transmissions of information. In this way, atheoretical maximum throughput in a bandwidth-constrained andvolume-constrained multi-user communication system may approach thetheoretical maximum throughput in a bandwidth-constrained andvolume-constrained multi-user communication system. In some embodiments,these antenna systems and methods provide a monochromatic or otherwisefixed-spectrum field to the tunable/adaptive radiating elements, and thecontrol lines perform modulation to insert information into a wirelesssignals. In some embodiments, these antenna systems and methods can becombined with a time-dependent (modulated) feed.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an antenna system 100 accordingto some embodiments. The antenna system 100 includes one or more feeds110 configured to receive EM signals 102 (e.g., one or more EM signals102) and propagate an EM reference wave 112 to a plurality of tunable EMscattering elements 120 of the antenna system 100. The plurality oftunable EM scattering elements 120 are spaced at sub-wavelengthdistances (e.g., at less than or equal to about a half wavelength of anoperational frequency, at less than or equal to a quarter wavelength ofthe operational frequency, etc.). The plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements 120 are configured to operate in at least two differentoperational states (e.g., binary and/or greyscale) to selectivelyscatter the EM reference wave as a radiated wave 122. As used herein,the term “operational frequency” refers to a fundamental frequency ofthe radiated wave in freespace (e.g., through the air).

The antenna system 100 also includes control circuitry 130 including acontroller 132 operably coupled to the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements 120 by a plurality of control lines 134. Thecontroller 132 is programmed to modulate the radiated wave 122 over timeto deliver a plurality of different information streams to a pluralityof different far-end locations 140 by modulating the plurality oftunable EM scattering elements 120 between the plurality of differentoperational states over time. In other words, an information stream fromthe radiated wave 122 received at some of the different far-endlocations 140 may be different from an information stream from theradiated wave 122 received at others of the different far-end locations.As used herein, the term “information stream” refers to digitalinformation streams (e.g., data streams), analog information streams, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the EM signals 102 received by the feeds 110 areunmodulated, monochromatic signals. Accordingly, the modulation thatoccurs in the radiated wave 122 is responsive to the modulationsperformed on the tunable scattering elements 120 by the controller 132through the control lines 134. In some embodiments, a combination ofmodulation on the EM signals 102 and the control lines 134 may be used.

In some embodiments, the antenna system 100 may include an MSA-T antennasystem. MSA-T and other adaptive antenna array systems enable thegeneration of field distributions (i.e., holographic projections) withminimum deviation from a desired field profile, by virtue of selectingparameters of radiating elements (e.g., the tunable scattering elements120) within their tenability range. Those parameters are controlled andenforced by control lines (e.g., the control lines 134). Thesetechniques enable the creation of a desired field profile at any giventime t:E _(observed)(x′,t′)=P[E _(hologram)(x),t=t′−Δt],  [4]where t is time at a near-end position where the feeds 110 and tunablescattering elements 120 are located, x is position relative to thenear-end location, t′ is time seen at one of the far-end locations 140,x′ is position relative to the one of the far-end locations 140,E_(observed) is an observed electric field at the one of the far-endlocations 140, and E_(hologram) is an electric field at the near-endlocation.

Because of finite propagation time, the time t=t′+Δt in the left handside (l.h.s.) of equation 4 is slightly later than the time t in theright hand side (r.h.s.) of equation 4. This difference in time isroughly the time of flight Δt=d/c, where d is the distance between thehologram and the projection manifold, and c is the speed of light alongthat path. This mapping can be calculated using a Green's function ofelectromagnetic fields. This function is particularly simple in theFourier (plane-wave) representation.

In this fashion, an adaptive antenna array (e.g., the antenna system100) used as a wireless transmitter can simultaneously carry outtransmission of a number of different and independent informationstreams to a number of independent users (i.e., at different far-endlocations 140). Since each user located at a different point x′_(j)observes (receives) a different electric field, E_(observed)(x′_(j),t),the time dependence of this received electric field can be used totransmit information using any of variety of known modulation schemes.The number of users, each having an independent information stream, canbe very large because the number is limited only by the number oftunable scattering elements 120 and/or the number of independent controllines 134 coupled to the tunable scattering elements 120. This schemereduces (e.g., eliminates) inter-symbol or inter-channel interferenceissues, since all of these effects are taken into account as part of thetime-dependent hologram calculation. Consequently, in abandwidth-limited and volume-limited multi-user scenario, which isinterference limited, the antenna system 100 enables communication toapproach a highest theoretically possible sum-of-throughputs.

For equation [4] to be accurate without further complications it isassumed that the time of flight is much shorter than the typicalmodulation time scale for the hologram (or the symbol duration, in termsof wireless communications):Δt<<T _(sym).  [5]For example, for a communication distance of 1 kilometer (km) (a typicalscale for macro-cellular communications), this condition of equation [5]limits the modulation rate to about 100,000 frames per second, or 100kilohertz (kHz). For a communication distance of 10 meters (m) (atypical scale for indoor router usage scenarios), the above conditionlimits modulation rate to 10 MHz. In this low-modulation-frequencylimit, time-dependent holograms can be generated as a series of frames,where the modulation pattern for each frame can be computed using thesame algorithms that apply to quasi-static cases.

In addition, if hardware permits, the transition between the hologramscan be continuous (e.g., greyscale as opposed to binary). By way ofnon-limiting example, transient signals in the control lines 134 can bebased, at least in part, on smoothed Heaviside functions,piecewise-trigonometric functions, or spline polynomials.

For modulation rates exceeding the quasi-static hologram condition(equation [5]), the holographic projection equation becomes fullyfour-dimensional:E _(observed)(x′,t′)=P[E _(hologram)(x,t<t′)].  [6]

Notation of equation [6] implies that the observed fields depend on thevalues of E_(hologram)(x,t) at all previous times. Even so, thecalculation of the modulation pattern for creating this time-dependentprojection can be readily calculated using the standard retarded Green'sfunction. The Liénard-Wiechert potentials are a convenient way to writethe retarded Green's function in a way that reflects the physical notionof fields propagating at a constant speed c (about the speed of light)from their various sources to an observation point.

For the quasi-static case (equation [5]), methods for calculating anoptimal control signal distribution for generating a desired hologram inan adaptive antenna array or MSA-T array (e.g., that of the antennasystem 100 of FIG. 1) with non-negligible inter-element interactiongeneralize, in a straightforward fashion, to the time-dependent case.For faster-than-quasistatic modulation, these methods can be extended byincluding the time variable as an additional dimension. In other words,instead of N variable port impedances, the optimization algorithm mustdeal with N×N_(sym) port impedance values at times t_(i), i=1, . . .N_(sym).

It is implicitly assumed above that the control lines 134 are almostperfectly isolated from one another, as well as from the distributedfeed (e.g., from all parts of the distributed feed). While isolation ofthe control lines 134 is relatively simple to achieve at frame rates inthe kHz to a few MHz range, at a sufficiently high modulation frequencymutual coupling between the control lines 134 becomes an issue. Theseissues become relatively difficult to deal with at modulation rates inthe GHz range or above, limiting the usability of conventional controlline architectures to bandwidths of about 100 MHz. Consequently, datarates may cap out at roughly about 100 Mbit/s for mutually coupledcontrol lines 134.

While systems with data rates at or below 100 Mbit/s are useful, thereis demand for systems, such as the antenna system 100 of FIG. 1, thatare cabable of operating in the Gbit/s data rate range. To accommodatesuch high hologram modulation rates, a different architecture of thecontrol lines 134 is proposed herein. Instead of control lines beingelectromagnetic and based on RF transmission lines (e.g., electricalconductors or microstrip lines), control lines 134 configured for othertypes of fields are proposed herein.

In some embodiments, the control lines 134 operably coupling thecontroller 132 to the tunable scattering elements 120 are at leastsubstantially electromagnetically isolated from each other. By way ofnon-limiting example, the control lines 134 may include optical controllines (e.g., fiber optics), acoustic control lines, or combinationsthereof. Accordingly, the tunable scattering elements 120 may includeoptically tunable EM scattering elements, acoustically tunable EMscattering elements, other tunable EM scattering elements, orcombinations thereof.

In embodiments where the control lines 134 include optical controllines, control fields carried by the control lines 134 may be optical.By way of non-limiting example, the control fields may includeultraviolet (UV) fields, visible light fields, infrared fields, farinfrared fields, other optical fields, or combinations thereof.Generally speaking, optical fields may include electromagnetic fieldswith millimeter and shorter wavelengths. Such waves can be tightlyconfined in optical transmission lines (e.g., optical fibers), andmodulated with RF frequencies. In such embodiments, the tunable EMscattering elements 120 may be actuated by optical fields. For example,the tunable EM scattering elements 120 may include photo-diodes,photo-transistors, other semiconductor-based elements affected by thephoto-doping effect, or combinations thereof. By way of non-limitingexample, the tunable EM scattering elements 120 may include gain mediathat can be optically pumped by the control lines in a time-dependentfashion. The tunable EM scattering elements 120 may includephoto-sensitive media, which experience reversible transitions dependingon the intensity of the optical fields delivered by the control lines134.

In some embodiments, the control fields delivered by the control lines134 are acoustic (e.g., elastodynamic, ultrasonic, phononic, etc.)vibrations, and the control lines 134 include acoustic waveguides. Thetunable EM scattering elements 120 modulated by these fields may includepiezoelectric elements, magnetostrictive elements,microelectromechanical (MEM) elements with electric field actuation,other tunable acoustic elements, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 2 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method 200 of operatingan antenna system (e.g., the antenna system 100 of FIG. 1). Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2 together, the method 200 includes receiving andpropagating 210 an EM signal 102 as an EM reference wave 112. In someembodiments, receiving and propagating 210 the EM signal 102 as an EMreference wave 112 includes receiving the EM signal 102 through an EMtransmission line, and propagating the EM reference wave 112 on or in abody including tunable EM scattering elements 120.

The method 200 also includes operating 220 the tunable EM scatteringelements 120 to selectively scatter the EM reference wave 112 as aradiated wave 122. In some embodiments, operating 220 the tunable EMscattering elements 120 includes applying controls to the tunablescattering elements 120 through control lines 134 that are decoupledfrom each other. By way of non-limiting example, applying controlsthrough control lines 134 that are decoupled from each other may includeapplying optical signals through the control lines 134. Also by way ofnon-limiting example, applying controls through control lines 134 thatare decoupled from each other may include applying acoustic signalsthrough the control lines 134.

The method 200 further includes modulating 230 the radiated wave 122 bymodulating the tunable EM scattering elements 120 between differentoperational states to deliver a plurality of different informationstreams to a plurality of different far-end locations 140.

In some embodiments, receiving 210 an EM signal 102 includes receiving amonochromatic sinusoidal signal. Since modulating 230 of the EM radiatedwave 122 is performed by the modulating the tunable EM scatteringelements 120, even a monochromatic sinusoidal signal fed to the feeds110 of the antenna system 100 can be used to create a plurality (e.g., avery large number) of different information streams at the plurality ofdifferent far-end locations 140. In some embodiments, however, somemodulation of the EM signals 102 may be used to create some modulationin the radiated wave 122 in addition to the modulation that results frommodulating 230 the radiated wave 122 by modulating the tunable EMscattering elements 120.

Receivers at the far-end locations 140 may receive the separateinformation streams, which may each be delivered simultaneously usingthe same EM frequencies. In this way, a large number of differentinformation streams can be transmitted using a single EM signal 102, orusing a few EM signals 102, being fed to the feeds 110. This is incontrast to separately modulated signals being fed for each of thefar-end receivers. Also, separate multiplexing systems (e.g., codedivision multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, time divisionmultiplexing, space division multiplexing, etc.) for each far-endlocation 140 may be avoided.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a controller 132A that may beused as the controller 132 of the antenna system 100 of FIG. 1. Thecontroller 132A includes at least one processor 370 (sometimes referredto herein simply as “processor” 270) operably coupled to at least onedata storage device 380 (sometimes referred to herein simply as“storage” 380). The storage 380 includes computer-readable instructionsstored thereon. The computer-readable instructions are configured toinstruct the processor 370 to perform operations that the controller132A is configured to perform. By way of non-limiting example, thecomputer-readable instructions may be configure to instruct theprocessor 370 to perform at least a portion of the operations of themethod 200 of FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, the storage 380 includes a volatile data storagedevice, a non-volatile data storage device, or combinations thereof. Byway of non-limiting example, the storage 380 may include a Flash drive,a hard drive, a solid state drive, a memory card and or/card reader, anoptical drive and/or optical disk, a thumb drive, electricallyprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM), other data storage devices, orcombinations thereof.

The processor 370 includes any device capable of executing thecomputer-readable instructions stored by the storage 380. By way ofnon-limiting example, the processor 370 may include a central processingunit (CPU), a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller (PLC),other programmable processor, or combinations thereof.

It should be understood that the controller 132 of FIG. 1 may includeother devices instead of, or in addition to, the controller 132A of FIG.3. By way of non-limiting example, the controller 132 may include afield programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a system on chip (SOC), other hardware elements, orcombinations thereof that are configured to perform at least a portionof the functions the controller 132 is configured to perform (e.g., thefunctions of the method 200 of FIG. 2).

In some embodiments, the control circuitry 130 may include a wirelesscontroller configured to wirelessly control the tunable scatteringelements 120. As previously discussed, various features disclosed hereinmay be applied alone or in combination with others of the featuresdisclosed herein. These features are too numerous to explicitly indicateherein each and every other one of the features that may be combinedtherewith. Therefore, any feature disclosed herein that is practicable,in the view of one of ordinary skill, to combine with any other one ormore others of the features disclosed herein, is contemplated herein tobe combined. Another non-exhaustive list of some of these disclosedfeatures that may be combined with others of the disclosed featuresfollows.

In some embodiments, an antenna system comprises one or more feedsconfigured to receive an electromagnetic (EM) signal and propagate theEM signal as an EM reference wave. The antenna system also comprises aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements spaced at sub-wavelengthdistances. Each of the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements isconfigured to operate in at least two different operational states toselectively scatter the EM reference wave as a radiated wave. Theantenna system further comprises a wireless controller configured towirelessly control the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements andmodulate the radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of differentinformation streams to a plurality of different far-end locations bymodulating the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements between theplurality of different operational states over time.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a feed configured toreceive an EM signal, wherein the EM signal is a monochromaticcontinuous wave EM signal.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a feed configured toreceive a monochromatic continuous wave EM signal wherein themonochromatic continuous wave EM signal is a radiofrequency signal.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a feed configured toreceive a monochromatic continuous wave EM signal, wherein themonochromatic continuous wave EM signal is a microwave signal.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a feed configured toreceive a monochromatic continuous wave EM signal, wherein themonochromatic continuous wave EM signal is a millimeter-wave signal.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a feed configured toreceive an EM signal, wherein the EM signal is a modulated EM signal.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to control each of a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements separately.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes plurality of tunable EMscattering elements configured to operate in at least two differentoperational states, wherein the two or more different operational statescomprises more than two operational states.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to transition the antenna system between different hologramsgradually.

In some embodiments, an antenna system comprises a plurality of EMfilters corresponding to a plurality of tunable EM scattering elements.The wireless controller includes an EM emitter configured to emit EMradiation encompassing a wide frequency range. Each of the plurality ofEM filters is configured to pass only a portion of the EM radiationencompassing the wide frequency range. The plurality of tunable EMscattering elements is configured to switch between at least twodifferent operational states responsive to receiving the portion of theEM radiation passed by the corresponding ones of the plurality of EMfilters. The wireless controller is configured to vary frequency contentof the EM radiation to control the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements to deliver a plurality of different information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of EMfilters, wherein a portion of EM radiation passed by each of theplurality of EM filters is orthogonal to each other portion of the EMradiation passed by others of the plurality of EM filters.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of EMfilters, wherein a portion of EM radiation passed by each of theplurality of EM filters comprises a continuous frequency segment of thewide frequency range.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of EMfilters, wherein a portion of EM radiation passed by each of theplurality of EM filters comprises an orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) defined portion of the EM radiation.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of EMfilters, wherein a portion of EM radiation passed by each of theplurality of EM filters comprises a code division multiplexing (CDM)defined portion of the EM radiation.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes an EM emitter configuredto emit EM radiation encompassing a wide frequency range, wherein alowest frequency in the wide frequency range is at least about twice afrequency of a reference wave.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes an EM emitter configuredto emit EM radiation encompassing a wide frequency range, wherein alowest frequency in the wide frequency range is at least about oneterahertz (1 THz).

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes an EM emitter configuredto emit EM radiation encompassing a wide frequency range, wherein alowest frequency in the wide frequency range is at least about onehundred terahertz (100 THz).

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of tunableEM scattering elements, wherein the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements includes a plurality of optically tunable EM scatteringelements tunable by portions of EM radiation passed by correspondingones of the plurality of EM filters.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality of photodiodes.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality ofphototransistors.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality of photoconductiveor photoresistive elements.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality of phase-changeelements configured to reversibly change phase responsive to heatdeposition of optical radiation.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a plurality of optically tunable EM scatteringelements at a frequency of at least about one (1) gigahertz.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a plurality of optically tunable EM scatteringelements at a time scale that is longer than a time that it takes for aradiated wave to travel from the plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements to a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a plurality of optically tunable EM scatteringelements as a temporal series of modulation patterns, wherein eachmodulation pattern of the series is determined by solving a timeinvariant holographic projection manifold function.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to solve a time invariant holographic projection manifoldfunction using a Green's function.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a plurality of optically tunable EM scatteringelements at a time scale that is shorter than a time that it takes for aradiated wave to travel from the plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements to a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a plurality of optically tunable EM scatteringelements as a temporal series of modulation patterns, wherein at least aportion of the modulation patterns of the temporal series is determinedby solving a time variant holographic projection manifold function.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to solve a time variant holographic projection manifoldfunction using a retarded Green's function.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a pluralityof different frequency modulated information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a pluralityof different amplitude modulated information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a pluralityof different phase modulated information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a pluralityof different quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) data streams to aplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a pluralityof different analog modulated information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a pluralityof different digital modulated data streams to a plurality of differentfar-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver a pluralityof different spread-spectrum modulated data streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of tunableEM scattering elements comprising a metamaterial or a metasurface.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a plurality of tunableEM scattering elements and a waveguide carrying the plurality of tunableEM scattering elements, the plurality of tunable EM scattering elementsand the waveguide comprising a metamaterial or a metasurface.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to deliver a plurality of different information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations, wherein at least some of thefar-end locations coincide with EM receivers.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to deliver a plurality of different information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations, wherein at least two EMreceivers comprise multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) receiverdevices.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to deliver a plurality of different information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations, wherein at least two groups ofat least two EM receivers comprise MIMO receiver devices.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to deliver a plurality of different information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations, wherein at least two EMreceivers belong to two physically separate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, an antenna system includes a wireless controllerconfigured to deliver a plurality of different information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations, wherein at least two groups ofEM receivers each having at least two receivers belong to two physicallyseparate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes anelectromagnetic (EM) emitter configured to controllably emit EMradiation of a frequency range to a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements through a plurality of EM filters. The plurality of EM filtersare configured to pass different sub-ranges of the frequency range todifferent ones of the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements. Theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements is configured to operate ina plurality of different scattering states responsive to the sub-rangesof the frequency range. The wireless antenna controller also includescontrol circuitry operably coupled to the EM emitter. The controlcircuitry includes at least one data storage device includingcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon. The control circuitryalso includes and at least one processor operably coupled to the atleast one data storage device, the processor configured to execute thecomputer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions areconfigured to instruct the at least one processor to control the EMemitter to modulate frequency content of the EM radiation to cause theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements to operate collectivelyaccording to a plurality of different modulation patterns.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate frequency content of EM radiation overtime to vary modulation patterns of a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements over time such that the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements scatter an EM reference wave to produce a radiated wave thatcarries a plurality of different information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a feed,wherein an EM reference wave is fed to a plurality of tunable EMscattering elements through the feed responsive to a monochromaticcontinuous wave EM signal at the feed.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a feed,wherein an EM reference wave is fed to a plurality of tunable EMscattering elements through the feed responsive to a monochromaticcontinuous wave EM signal at the feed, and wherein the monochromaticcontinuous wave EM signal is a radiofrequency signal.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a feed,wherein an EM reference wave is fed to a plurality of tunable EMscattering elements through the feed responsive to a monochromaticcontinuous wave EM signal at the feed, and wherein the monochromaticcontinuous wave EM signal is a microwave signal.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a feed,wherein an EM reference wave is fed to a plurality of tunable EMscattering elements through the feed responsive to a monochromaticcontinuous wave EM signal at the feed, and wherein the monochromaticcontinuous wave EM signal is a millimeter-wave signal.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a feed,wherein an EM reference wave is fed to a plurality of tunable EMscattering elements through a feed responsive to a modulated EM signalat the feed.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate frequency content of EM radiation tomodulate a plurality of tunable EM scattering elements at a time scalethat is longer than a time that it takes for a radiated wave to travelfrom the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements at a time scale that is shorter than a time that it takes for aradiated wave to travel from the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements to a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, the computer readable instructions are configuredto instruct the at least one processor to control the EM emitter tomodulate the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements as a temporalseries of modulation patterns, wherein at least a portion of themodulation patterns of the temporal series is determined by solving atime variant holographic projection manifold function.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor to solvea time variant holographic projection manifold function using a retardedGreen's function.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver aplurality of different frequency modulated information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver aplurality of different amplitude modulated information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver aplurality of different phase modulated information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver aplurality of different quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) data streamsto a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver aplurality of different analog modulated information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver aplurality of different digital modulated data streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate a radiated wave over time to deliver aplurality of different spread spectrum modulated data streams to aplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate frequency content of EM radiation overtime to vary modulation patterns of a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements over time such that the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements scatter an EM reference wave to produce a radiated wave thatcarries a plurality of different information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations, wherein at least some of the plurality ofdifferent far-end locations coincide with EM receivers.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate frequency content of EM radiation overtime to vary modulation patterns of a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements over time such that the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements scatter an EM reference wave to produce a radiated wave thatcarries a plurality of different information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations, wherein at least two of the EM receiverscomprise multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate frequency content of EM radiation overtime to vary modulation patterns of a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements over time such that the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements scatter an EM reference wave to produce a radiated wave thatcarries a plurality of different information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations, wherein at least two groups of at least twoof the EM receivers comprise MIMO receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate frequency content of EM radiation overtime to vary modulation patterns of a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements over time such that the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements scatter an EM reference wave to produce a radiated wave thatcarries a plurality of different information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations, wherein at least two of the EM receiversbelong to two physically separate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate frequency content of EM radiation overtime to vary modulation patterns of a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements over time such that the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements scatter an EM reference wave to produce a radiated wave thatcarries a plurality of different information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations, wherein at least two groups of the EMreceivers each having at least two receivers belong to two physicallyseparate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes an EMemitter and control circuitry configured to control each of theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements separately.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a pluralityof tunable EM scattering elements, wherein a plurality of differentscattering states of the plurality of tunable EM scattering elementscomprises more than two different scattering states.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller an EM emitter andcontrol circuitry are configured to transition an antenna system betweendifferent holograms gradually.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a pluralityof EM filters, wherein a sub-range of EM radiation passed by each of theplurality of EM filters is orthogonal to other sub-ranges of the EMradiation passed by others of the plurality of EM filters.

In some embodiments, a sub-range of the EM radiation passed by each ofthe plurality of EM filters comprises a continuous frequency segment ofthe frequency range.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a pluralityof EM filters, wherein different sub-ranges of EM radiation passed byeach of the plurality of EM filters comprise orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing (OFDM) defined sub-ranges of the EM radiation.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a pluralityof EM filters, wherein different sub-ranges of EM radiation passed byeach of the plurality of EM filters comprise code division multiplexing(CDM) defined sub-ranges of the EM radiation.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes an EMemitter configured to controllably emit EM radiation of a frequencyrange, wherein a lowest frequency in the frequency range is at leastabout twice a frequency of a reference wave a plurality of tunable EMscattering elements is configured to scatter to form a radiated wave.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes an EMemitter configured to controllably emit EM radiation of a frequencyrange, wherein a lowest frequency in the frequency range is at leastabout one terahertz (1 THz).

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes an EMemitter configured to controllably emit EM radiation of a frequencyrange, wherein a lowest frequency in the frequency range is at leastabout one hundred terahertz (100 THz).

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a pluralityof tunable EM scattering elements including a plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements tunable by sub-ranges of EM radiationpassed by corresponding ones of a plurality of EM filters.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality ofphotodiodes.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality ofphototransistors.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality ofphotoconductive or photoresistive elements.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements comprising a plurality ofphase-change elements configured to reversibly change phase responsiveto heat deposition of optical radiation.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate frequency content of EM radiation tomodulate a plurality of tunable EM scattering elements at a frequency ofat least about one gigahertz (1 GHz).

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller of is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct the at least one processor tocontrol an EM emitter to modulate a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements as a temporal series of modulation patterns, wherein eachmodulation pattern of the series is determined by solving a timeinvariant holographic projection manifold function.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller is programmed withcomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer readableinstructions are configured to instruct at least one processor to solvea time invariant holographic projection manifold functions using aGreen's function.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller includes a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements, wherein the plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements comprises a metamaterial or ametasurface.

In some embodiments, a wireless antenna controller of includes aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, wherein the plurality oftunable EM scattering elements and a waveguide carrying the plurality oftunable EM scattering elements comprise a metamaterial or a metasurface.

In some embodiments, a method of operating an antenna system includesapplying an electromagnetic (EM) signal to one or more feeds configuredto receive and propagate the EM signal as an EM reference wave. Themethod also includes scattering the EM reference wave as a radiated wavewith a plurality of tunable EM scattering elements spaced atsub-wavelength distances. The plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements is configured to operate in at least two different operationalstates. The method further includes wirelessly controlling the pluralityof tunable EM scattering elements with a wireless controller to modulatethe radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of differentinformation streams to a plurality of different far-end locations bymodulating the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements between theplurality of different operational states over time.

In some embodiments, a method includes applying an EM signal to one ormore feeds, which comprises applying a monochromatic continuous wave EMsignal.

In some embodiments, a method includes applying an EM signal to one ormore feeds, which comprises applying a modulated EM signal.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements with a wireless controller,which comprises controlling each of the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements separately.

In some embodiments, a method includes scattering an EM reference waveas a radiated wave with a plurality of tunable EM scattering elementsconfigured to operate in two or more different operational states, whichcomprises operating each of the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements in more than two operational states.

In some embodiments, a method includes scattering an EM reference waveas a radiated wave with a plurality of tunable EM scattering elementsconfigured to operate in two or more different operational states, whichcomprises transitioning the antenna system between different hologramsgradually.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, which includes: emitting EMradiation encompassing a wide frequency range with an EM emitter of thewireless controller; passing only a portion of the EM radiationencompassing the wide frequency range with each of a plurality of EMfilters corresponding to the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements; switching the plurality of tunable EM scattering elementsbetween the at least two different operational states responsive toreceiving the portion of the EM radiation passed by the correspondingones of the plurality of EM filters; and varying frequency content ofthe EM radiation to control the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements to deliver a plurality of different information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a method includes passing only a portion of EMradiation encompassing a wide frequency range, which comprises passing,with each of the plurality of EM filters, only a portion of the EMradiation that is orthogonal to each other portion of the EM radiationpassed by others of the plurality of EM filters.

In some embodiments, a method includes passing only a portion of EMradiation encompassing wide frequency range, which comprises passing,with each of a plurality of EM filters, a continuous frequency segmentof the wide frequency range.

In some embodiments, a method includes passing only a portion of EMradiation encompassing a wide frequency range, which comprises passing,with each of the plurality of EM filters, an orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing (OFDM) defined portion of the EM radiation.

In some embodiments, a method includes passing only a portion of the EMradiation encompassing a wide frequency range, which comprises passing,with each of the plurality of EM filters, a code division multiplexing(CDM) defined portion of the EM radiation.

In some embodiments, a method includes emitting EM radiationencompassing a wide frequency range, which comprises emitting the EMradiation with the wide frequency range having a lowest frequency thatis at least about twice a frequency of a reference wave.

In some embodiments, a method includes emitting EM radiationencompassing a wide frequency range, which comprises emitting the EMradiation with the wide frequency range having a lowest frequency thatis at least about one terahertz (1 THz).

In some embodiments, a method includes emitting EM radiationencompassing a wide frequency range, which comprises emitting the EMradiation with the wide frequency range having a lowest frequency thatis at least about one hundred terahertz (100 THz).

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises opticallycontrolling the plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elementstunable by portions of EM radiation passed by corresponding ones of aplurality of EM filters.

In some embodiments, a method includes optically controlling a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises opticallycontrolling a plurality of photodiodes.

In some embodiments, a method includes optically controlling a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises opticallycontrolling a plurality of phototransistors.

In some embodiments, a method includes optically controlling a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises opticallycontrolling a plurality of photoconductive or photoresistive elements.

In some embodiments, a method includes optically controlling a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises opticallycontrolling a plurality of phase-change elements configured toreversibly change phase responsive to heat deposition of opticalradiation.

In some embodiments, a method includes optically controlling a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatingthe plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements at a frequencyof at least about one (1) gigahertz.

In some embodiments, a method includes optically controlling a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatingthe plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements at a timescale that is longer than a time that it takes for a radiated wave totravel from the plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements toa plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a method includes optically controlling a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatingthe plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements as a temporalseries of modulation patterns, wherein each modulation pattern of theseries is determined by solving a time invariant holographic projectionmanifold function.

In some embodiments, a method includes solving a time invariantholographic projection manifold function, which comprises solving thetime invariant holographic projection manifold function using a Green'sfunction.

In some embodiments, a method includes optically controlling a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatingthe plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements at a timescale that is shorter than a time that it takes for a radiated wave totravel from the plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements toa plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a method includes optically controlling a pluralityof optically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatingthe plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements as a temporalseries of modulation patterns, wherein at least a portion of themodulation patterns of the temporal series is determined by solving atime variant holographic projection manifold function.

In some embodiments, a method includes solving a time variantholographic projection manifold function, which comprises solving thetime variant holographic projection manifold function using a retardedGreen's function.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatingthe radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of differentfrequency modulated information streams to the plurality of differentfar-end locations.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatinga radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different amplitudemodulated information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatinga radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different phasemodulated information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatinga radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different quadratureamplitude modulated (QAM) data streams to a plurality of differentfar-end locations.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatingthe radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different analogmodulated information streams to the plurality of different far-endlocations

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatinga radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different digitalmodulated data streams to a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises modulatinga radiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of differentspread-spectrum modulated data streams to a plurality of differentfar-end locations.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises wirelesslycontrolling a metamaterial or a metasurface.

In some embodiments, a method includes operating a waveguide carrying aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements and the plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements, wherein operating thewaveguide and the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements comprisesoperating a metamaterial or a metasurface.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements to deliver a plurality ofdifferent information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations, which comprises controlling the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements to deliver the plurality of different informationstreams to at least some of the far-end locations coinciding with EMreceivers.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements to deliver a plurality ofdifferent information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations, which comprises controlling the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements to deliver the plurality of different informationstreams to at least two EM receivers comprising multiple input, multipleoutput (MIMO) receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements to deliver a plurality ofdifferent information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations, which comprises controlling the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements to deliver the plurality of different informationstreams to at least two groups of at least two EM receivers comprisingMIMO receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements to deliver a plurality ofdifferent information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations, which comprises controlling the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements to deliver the plurality of different informationstreams to at least two EM receivers belonging to two physicallyseparate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a method includes wirelessly controlling aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements to deliver a plurality ofdifferent information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations, which comprises controlling the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements to deliver the plurality of different informationstreams to at least two groups of EM receivers, each of the at least twogroups of EM receivers having at least two receivers, belonging to twophysically separate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a method of operating a wireless antenna controllerincludes emitting electromagnetic (EM) radiation of a frequency rangewith an EM emitter to a plurality of tunable EM scattering elementsthrough a plurality of EM filters. The method also includes passingdifferent sub-ranges of the frequency range to different ones of theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements with the EM filters. Themethod further includes operating the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements in a plurality of different scattering states responsive to thesub-ranges of the frequency range. The method also includes controllingthe EM emitter to modulate frequency content of the EM radiation tocause the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements to operatecollectively according to a plurality of different modulation patterns.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter, whichcomprises controlling the EM emitter to modulate frequency content of EMradiation over time to vary modulation patterns of plurality of tunableEM scattering elements over time such that the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements scatter an EM reference wave to produce a radiatedwave that carries a plurality of different information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a method includes feeding an EM reference wave to aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements through a feed responsive toa monochromatic continuous wave EM signal at the feed.

In some embodiments, a method includes feeding an EM reference wave to aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements through a feed responsive toa monochromatic continuous wave EM signal at the feed, wherein feedingthe EM reference wave to the plurality of tunable EM scattering elementsthrough a feed responsive to a monochromatic continuous wave EM signalat the feed comprises applying a radiofrequency signal to the feed.

In some embodiments, a method includes feeding an EM reference wave to aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements through a feed responsive toa monochromatic continuous wave EM signal at the feed, wherein feedingthe EM reference wave to the plurality of tunable EM scattering elementsthrough a feed responsive to a monochromatic continuous wave EM signalat the feed comprises applying a microwave signal to the feed.

In some embodiments, a method includes feeding an EM reference wave to aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements through a feed responsive toa monochromatic continuous wave EM signal at the feed, wherein feedingthe EM reference wave to the plurality of tunable EM scattering elementsthrough a feed responsive to a monochromatic continuous wave EM signalat the feed comprises applying a millimeter wave signal to the feed.

In some embodiments, a method includes feeding an EM reference wave to aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements through a feed responsive toa modulated EM signal at the feed.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulatingthe frequency content of the EM radiation to modulate a plurality oftunable EM scattering elements at a time scale that is longer than atime that it takes for a radiated wave to travel from the plurality oftunable EM scattering elements to a plurality of different far-endlocations.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulatingthe plurality of tunable EM scattering elements at a time scale that isshorter than a time that it takes for the radiated wave to travel fromthe plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements to theplurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulating aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements as a temporal series ofmodulation patterns, wherein at least a portion of the modulationpatterns of the temporal series is determined by solving a time variantholographic projection manifold function.

In some embodiments, a method includes solving a time variantholographic projection manifold function, which comprises solving thetime variant holographic projection manifold function using a retardedGreen's function.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulating aradiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different frequencymodulated information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulating aradiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different amplitudemodulated information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulating aradiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different phasemodulated information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulating aradiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different quadratureamplitude modulated (QAM) data streams to a plurality of differentfar-end locations.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulating aradiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different analogmodulated information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulating aradiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different digitalmodulated data streams to a plurality of different far-end locations.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulating aradiated wave over time to deliver a plurality of different spreadspectrum modulated data streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter toproduce a radiated wave that carries a plurality of differentinformation streams to a plurality of different far-end locations, whichcomprises controlling the EM emitter to deliver the plurality ofdifferent information streams to at least some of the plurality ofdifferent far-end locations coinciding with EM receivers.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter toproduce a radiated wave that carries a plurality of differentinformation streams to a plurality of different far-end locations, whichcomprises controlling the EM emitter to deliver the plurality ofdifferent information streams to at least two of the EM receiverscomprising multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter toproduce a radiated wave that carries a plurality of differentinformation streams to a plurality of different far-end locations, whichcomprises controlling the EM emitter to deliver the plurality ofdifferent information streams to at least two groups of at least two ofthe EM receivers comprising MIMO receiver devices.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter toproduce a radiated wave that carries a plurality of differentinformation streams to a plurality of different far-end locations, whichcomprises controlling the EM emitter to deliver the plurality ofdifferent information streams to at least two EM receivers belonging totwo physically separate receiver devices.

In some embodiments, controlling the EM emitter to produce a radiatedwave that carries a plurality of different information streams to aplurality of different far-end locations comprises controlling the EMemitter to deliver the plurality of different information streams to atleast two groups of the EM receivers, of the EM receivers having atleast two receivers, belonging to two physically separate receiverdevices.

In some embodiments, a method includes operating a plurality of tunableEM scattering elements, which comprises controlling each of theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements separately.

In some embodiments, a method includes operating a plurality of tunableEM scattering elements, which comprises operating each of the pluralityof tunable EM scattering elements in more than two different scatteringstates.

In some embodiments, a method includes operating a plurality of tunableEM scattering elements, which comprises transitioning the plurality oftunable EM scattering elements between different holograms gradually.

In some embodiments, a method includes passing different sub-ranges of afrequency range, which comprises passing a sub-range of the EM radiationwith each of the plurality of EM filters that is orthogonal to othersub-ranges of the EM radiation passed by others of the plurality of EMfilters.

In some embodiments, a method includes passing different sub-ranges ofthe frequency range, which comprises passing a sub-range of the EMradiation with each of a plurality of EM filters comprising a continuousfrequency segment of the frequency range.

In some embodiments, a method includes passing different sub-ranges of afrequency range, which comprises passing orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) defined sub-ranges of the EM radiation with each ofa plurality of EM filters.

In some embodiments, a method includes passing different sub-ranges of afrequency range, which comprises passing code division multiplexing(CDM) defined sub-ranges of EM radiation with each of a plurality of EMfilters.

In some embodiments, a method includes emitting EM radiation of afrequency range, which comprises emitting the EM radiation with thefrequency range having a lowest frequency that is at least about twice afrequency of a reference wave a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements is configured to scatter to form a radiated wave.

In some embodiments, a method includes emitting EM radiation of afrequency range, which comprises emitting the EM radiation with thefrequency range having a lowest frequency that is at least about oneterahertz (1 THz).

In some embodiments, a method includes emitting EM radiation of afrequency range, which comprises emitting the EM radiation with thefrequency range having a lowest frequency that is at least about onehundred terahertz (100 THz).

In some embodiments, a method includes operating a plurality of tunableEM scattering elements, which comprises operating a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements tunable by the sub-ranges ofthe EM radiation passed by corresponding ones of the plurality of EMfilters.

In some embodiments, a method includes operating a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises operating aplurality of photodiodes.

In some embodiments, a method includes operating a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises operating aplurality of phototransistors.

In some embodiments, a method includes operating a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises operating aplurality of photoconductive or photoresistive elements.

In some embodiments, a method includes operating a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements, which comprises operating aplurality of phase-change elements configured to reversibly change phaseresponsive to heat deposition of optical radiation.

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulating aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements at a frequency of at leastabout one gigahertz (1 GHz).

In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an EM emitter tomodulate frequency content of EM radiation, which comprises modulating aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements as a temporal series ofmodulation patterns, wherein each modulation pattern of the series isdetermined by solving a time invariant holographic projection manifoldfunction.

In some embodiments, a method includes solving a time invariantholographic projection manifold function, which comprises solving thetime invariant holographic projection manifold function using a Green'sfunction.

In some embodiments, a method includes operating a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements, which includes operating ametamaterial or a metasurface.

In some embodiments, a method includes operating a waveguide carrying aplurality of tunable EM scattering elements, wherein operating theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements and the waveguide comprisesoperating a metamaterial or a metasurface.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of an antenna system 400 having awireless controller 450, according to some embodiments. The antennasystem 400 includes one or more feeds 410 configured to receive one ormore EM signals 404 and deliver a reference wave 412 to a plurality oftunable EM scattering elements 420. The plurality of tunable EMscattering elements 420 is configured to scatter the reference wave 412to generate a radiated wave 422. The radiated wave includes a pluralityof different information streams that are delivered to a plurality offar-end locations 440. The EM signals 404, the feeds 410 the EMreference wave 412, the tunable scattering elements 420, the radiatedwave 422, and the far end locations 440 may be similar to the EM signals104, the feeds 110, the EM reference wave 112, the tunable EM scatteringelements 120, the radiated wave 122, and the far-end locations 140discussed above with reference to the antenna system 100 of FIG. 1. Theantenna system 400, however, includes a wireless controller 450configured to control the tunable scattering elements 420, and thetunable EM scattering elements 420 are configured to be controlledwirelessly. Otherwise, the discussions corresponding to FIGS. 1-3 aboveare applicable to the antenna system 400 of FIG. 4.

The wireless controller 450 is configured to wirelessly control theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements 420. The wireless controller450 is configured to wirelessly control the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements to modulate the radiated wave over 422 time todeliver the plurality of different information streams to the pluralityof different far-end locations 440. In other words, the wirelesscontroller 450 is configured to modulate the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements 420 between a plurality of different operationalstates over time to achieve the plurality of different informationstreams of the radiated wave 422.

The wireless controller includes an EM emitter 452 configured tocontrollably emit EM radiation 454 having a wide frequency rangef_(WIDE). The wireless controller 450 also includes a plurality of EMfilters 456 configured to pass different sub-ranges f₁, f₂, . . . ,f_(N) of the wide frequency range f_(WIDE) to different ones of theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements 420. The plurality oftunable EM scattering elements 420 are configured, in turn, to operatein the plurality of different operation states (e.g., scattering states)responsive to the sub-ranges f₁, f₂, . . . , f_(N). In some embodiments,some of the EM filters 456 may be configured to pass the same sub-rangesf₁, f₂, . . . , f_(N) as others of the EM filters 456, especially if thetunable EM scattering elements 420 corresponding thereto are locatedremotely from each other. In some embodiments, each of the EM filters456 may be configured to pass different sub-ranges f₁, f₂, . . . , f_(N)of the wide frequency range f_(WIDE) of the EM radiation 454.

In some embodiments, the EM emitter 452 and the EM filters 456 may beconfigured to control each of the EM scattering elements 420 separately(e.g., each one of the EM filters 456 corresponds to a different one ofthe tunable EM scattering elements 420). In some embodiments, at leastone of the EM filters 456 may correspond to more than one of the tunablescattering elements 420, resulting in control of a group of the tunableEM scattering elements 420 by the EM emitter 452 and the EM filter 456that corresponds to the more than one tunable scattering elements 420.

The wireless controller also includes control circuitry 430 operablycoupled to the EM emitter 252. The control circuitry 430 may include acontroller 432, which may be similar to the control circuitry 132A(e.g., including a data storage device and a processor) discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 3. By way of non-limiting example, the controller432 may be configured to perform at least a portion of the actsdiscussed below with reference to the methods 500, 600 of FIGS. 5 and 6,respectively.

The control circuitry 430 is configured to control the EM emitter 450 tomodulate frequency content of the EM radiation 454 to cause theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements 420 to operate collectivelyaccording to a plurality of different modulation patterns. For example,the control circuitry may control the EM emitter 452 to includedifferent portions of a first sub-range f₁ of the wide frequency rangeto control a tunable EM scattering element 420 that corresponds to an EMfilter that passes the first sub-range f₁. The portion or portions ofthe first sub-range f₁ included in the EM radiation 454 may be selectedto cause the tunable EM scattering element 420 to operate in a desiredoperational state (e.g., scattering state). In other words, the tunableEM scattering elements 420 may be set to operate according to anydesired modulation pattern by adjusting the frequency content of the EMradiation 454. In some embodiments, the wireless controller 450 isconfigured to modulate the tunable EM scattering elements 420 at afrequency of at least about one gigahertz (1 GHz).

In some embodiments, a sub-range f₁, f₂, . . . , f_(N) of the EMradiation 454 passed by each of the EM filters 456 is orthogonal toother sub-ranges f₁, f₂, . . . , f_(N) of the EM radiation 454 passed byothers of the EM filters 456. This is the most general filteringstatement one can come up with. Orthogonality can be described using ascalar product. In a general sense, a scalar product of frequency-domainfunctions can be stated as a double integral:(a,b)=∫∫K(f,f′)a(f)b(f′)dfdf′,where (a,b) is the scalar product of a and b, K(f, f′) is an integralkernel. Frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) is a simple case of suchorthogonality, with the integral kernel K(f, f′)=δ(f−f′) being a deltafunction of the frequency difference. In FDM embodiments, the sub-rangesf₁, f₂, . . . , f_(N) include continuous frequency segments of the widefrequency range f_(WIDE). Also, in some embodiments, the differentsub-ranges f₁, f₂, . . . , f_(N) include orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) defined sub-ranges of the EM radiation 454.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the different sub-ranges f₁, f₂, . . ., f_(N) include code division multiplexing (CDM) defined sub-ranges ofthe EM radiation 454. In FDM embodiments, two signals are orthogonal ifand only if their spectral content is non-overlapping. In embodiments ofOFDM and CDM, the integral kernel K is not a delta-function, andspectral densities can overlap without violating orthogonality.

In some embodiments, a lowest frequency of the wide frequency range isat least about twice a frequency of the EM reference wave 412. In someembodiments, the lowest frequency in the wide frequency range f_(WIDE)is at least about one terahertz (1 THz, the edge of the far-infrared).In some embodiments, the lowest frequency of the wide frequency range isat least about one hundred terahertz (100 THz, edge of near infrared, or“true” optics). In some embodiments, the wide frequency range f_(WIDE)at least partially overlaps an optical frequency spectrum (e.g.,including infrared light, visible light, and ultraviolet light, spanningabout 3 THz to about 30 peta Hertz (PHz)). As a result, the tunable EMscattering elements 420 may include optically tunable EM scatteringelements (e.g., photodiodes, phototransistors, photoconductive or photoresistive elements, phase change elements configured to reversiblychange phase responsive to heat deposition of optical radiation, otherscattering elements, or combinations thereof). In practice, fewsemiconductor-based “photoconductive” elements would actually respondefficiently to less than 100 THz radiation, except by virtue of heating.

FIG. 5 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method 500 of operatingan antenna system (e.g., the antenna system 400 of FIG. 4). Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5 together, the method 500 includes applying 510 an EMsignal 404 (e.g., a monochromatic continuous wave EM signal, a modulatedEM signal, other signals, or combinations thereof) to one or more feeds410 configured to receive and propagate the EM signal 404 as an EMreference wave 412.

The method 500 also includes scattering 520 the EM reference wave 412 asa radiated wave 422 with a plurality of tunable EM scattering elements420, each configured to operate in at least two different operationalstates. In some embodiments, scattering 520 the EM reference wave 412includes operating each of the tunable EM scattering elements 420 inmore than two operational states. In some embodiments, scattering 520the EM reference wave 412 includes transitioning the antenna system 400between different holograms gradually.

The method 500 further includes wirelessly controlling 530 the pluralityof tunable EM scattering elements 420 with a wireless controller 450 tomodulate the radiated wave 422 over time. The plurality of tunable EMscattering elements 420 are modulated over time to deliver a pluralityof different information streams to a plurality of different far-endlocations 440 by modulating the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements between the plurality of different operational states overtime. In some embodiments, wirelessly controlling 530 the tunable EMscattering elements 420 includes controlling each of the tunable EMscattering elements separately.

In some embodiments, wirelessly controlling 530 the plurality of tunableEM scattering elements 420 includes emitting EM radiation 454encompassing a wide frequency range f_(WIDE) with an emitter of thewireless controller 450, and passing only a portion of the EM radiation454 with each of a plurality of EM filters 456 corresponding to theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements 420. In such embodiments,wirelessly controlling 530 also includes switching the plurality oftunable EM scattering elements 420 between the at least two differentoperational states responsive to receiving the portion of the EMradiation 454 passed by the corresponding ones of the plurality of EMfilters 456. In some embodiments, passing only a portion of the EMradiation 458 includes passing, with each of the plurality of EM filters456, only a portion of the EM radiation 454 that is orthogonal to eachother portion of the EM radiation 454 passed by others (e.g., some ofthe others, all of the others) of the plurality of EM filters 456. Insome embodiments, passing only a portion of the EM radiation 458includes passing, with each of the plurality of EM filters 456, acontinuous frequency segment of the wide frequency range f_(WIDE). Insome embodiments, passing only a portion of the EM radiation 458includes passing, with each of the plurality of EM filters 456, an OFDMdefined portion of the EM radiation 452. In some embodiments, passingonly a portion of the EM radiation 458 includes passing, with each ofthe plurality of EM filters 456, a CDM defined portion of the EMradiation. In some embodiments, emitting EM radiation 454 encompassing awide frequency range f_(WIDE) includes emitting the EM radiation 454with the wide frequency range f_(WIDE) having a lowest frequency that isat least about twice a frequency of the EM reference wave 412. In someembodiments, emitting EM radiation 454 encompassing a wide frequencyrange f_(WIDE) includes emitting the EM radiation 454 with the widefrequency range f_(WIDE) having a lowest frequency that is at leastabout one terahertz (1 THz). In some embodiments, emitting EM radiation454 encompassing a wide frequency range f_(WIDE) includes emitting theEM radiation 454 with the wide frequency range f_(WIDE) having a lowestfrequency that is at least about one hundred terahertz (100 THz). Insome embodiments, wirelessly controlling 530 the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements 420 includes optically controlling a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements (e.g., photodiodes,phototransistors, photoconductive or photoresistive elements,phase-change elements configured to reversibly change phase responsiveto heat deposition of optical radiation, other optically tunableelements, or combinations thereof) tunable by the portions of the EMradiation 454 passed by the corresponding ones of the plurality of EMfilters 456. In some embodiments, optically controlling a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements includes modulating theplurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements at a frequency ofat least about one gigahertz (1 GHz).

FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method 600 of operatinga wireless antenna controller (e.g., the wireless controller 450 of FIG.4). Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6 together, the method 600 includesemitting 610 EM radiation 454 of a frequency range f_(WIDE) with an EMemitter 452 to a plurality of tunable EM scattering elements 420 througha plurality of EM filters 456. In some embodiments, emitting 610 EMradiation 454 includes controlling the EM emitter 452 to modulate thefrequency content of the EM radiation 454 over time to vary themodulation patterns of the tunable EM scattering elements 420 over timesuch that the tunable EM scattering elements 420 scatter an EM referencewave 412 to produce a radiated wave 422 that carries a plurality ofdifferent information streams (e.g., frequency, amplitude, phase, QAM,analog, digital, or spread-spectrum modulated information streams) to aplurality of different far-end locations 440. In some embodiments,emitting 610 EM radiation 454 includes emitting the EM radiation 454with the frequency range f_(WIDE) having a lowest frequency that is atleast about twice a frequency of a reference wave 412 the tunable EMscattering elements 420 are configured to scatter to form the radiatedwave 422. In some embodiments, emitting 610 EM radiation 454 includesemitting the EM radiation 454 with the frequency range f_(WIDE) having alowest frequency that is at least about one terahertz (1 THz). In someembodiments, emitting 610 EM radiation 454 includes emitting the EMradiation 454 with the frequency range f_(WIDE) having a lowestfrequency that is at least about one hundred terahertz (100 THz).

The method 600 also includes passing 620 different sub-ranges f₁, f₂, .. . , f_(N) of the frequency range f_(WIDE) to different ones of theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements 420 with the EM filters 456.In some embodiments, passing 620 different sub-ranges of the frequencyrange f_(WIDE) includes passing a sub-range of the EM radiation 454 witheach of the EM filters 456 that is orthogonal to other sub-ranges of theEM radiation 454 passed by others of the EM filters 456. In someembodiments, the different sub-ranges passed by each of the EM filters456 are continuous frequency segments, OFDM defined sub-ranges, CDMdefined sub-ranges, or other sub-ranges of the EM radiation 454.

The method 600 further includes operating 630 the plurality of tunableEM scattering elements 420 in a plurality of different scattering statesresponsive to the sub-ranges f₁, f₂, . . . , f_(N) of the frequencyrange f_(WIDE). In some embodiments, operating 630 the tunable EMscattering elements 420 includes operating each of the tunable EMscattering elements 420 in more than two different scattering states. Insome embodiments, operating 630 the tunable EM scattering elements 420includes transitioning the tunable EM scattering elements 420 betweendifferent holograms gradually. In some embodiments, operating 630 thetunable EM scattering elements 420 includes operating optically tunableEM scattering elements (e.g., photodiodes, phototransistors,photoconductive or photoresistive elements, phase-change elementsconfigured to reversibly change phase responsive to heat deposition ofoptical radiation, etc.) tunable by the sub-ranges f₁, f₂, . . . , f_(N)of the EM radiation 454 passed by corresponding ones of the EM filters456.

The method 600 also includes controlling 640 the EM emitter 452 tomodulate frequency content of the EM radiation 454 to cause theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements 420 to operate collectivelyaccording to a plurality of different modulation patterns. In someembodiments, controlling 640 the EM emitter 452 includes modulating thefrequency content of the EM emitter 452 to modulate the tunable EMscattering elements 420 at a time scale that is longer than it takes forthe radiated wave to travel from the tunable EM scattering elements 420to the plurality of different far-end locations 440. In someembodiments, controlling 640 the EM emitter 452 includes modulating thetunable EM scattering elements at a time scale that is shorter than atime it takes for the radiated wave 422 to travel from the tunable EMscattering elements 420 to the plurality of different far-end locations440. In some embodiments, controlling 640 the EM emitter 452 includesmodulating the tunable EM scattering elements 420 as a temporal seriesof modulation patterns, wherein at least a portion of the modulationpatterns of the temporal series is determined by solving a time variantholographic projection manifold function (e.g., using a retarded Green'sfunction). In some embodiments, controlling 640 the EM emitter 452 tomodulate frequency content of the EM radiation 454 includes modulatingthe tunable EM scattering elements 420 as a temporal series ofmodulation patterns, wherein each modulation pattern is determined bysolving a time invariant holographic projection manifold function (e.g.,using a Green's function). In some embodiments, controlling 640 the EMemitter to modulate frequency content of the EM radiation 454 includesmodulating the tunable EM scattering elements 420 at a frequency of atleast about one gigahertz (1 GHz).

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, thedisclosure contemplates combinations of any of the disclosed embodimentsand examples, except as would be incompatible in practice, as would beunderstood by those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An antenna system, comprising: one or more feedsconfigured to receive an electromagnetic (EM) signal and propagate theEM signal as an EM reference wave; a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements spaced at sub-wavelength distances compared to the EM referencewave, the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements configured tooperate in at least two different operational states to selectivelyscatter the EM reference wave as a radiated wave; and a wirelesscontroller configured to wirelessly control the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements and modulate the radiated wave over time to delivera plurality of different information streams to a plurality of differentfar-end locations by modulating the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements between the plurality of different operational states overtime; a plurality of EM filters corresponding to the plurality oftunable EM scattering elements, wherein: the wireless controllerincludes an EM emitter configured to emit EM radiation encompassing awide frequency range; each of the plurality of EM filters is configuredto pass only a portion of the EM radiation encompassing the widefrequency range; the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements isconfigured to switch between the at least two different operationalstates responsive to receiving the portion of the EM radiation passed bythe corresponding ones of the plurality of EM filters; and the wirelesscontroller is configured to vary frequency content of the EM radiationto control the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements to deliverthe plurality of different information streams to the plurality ofdifferent far-end locations.
 2. The antenna system of claim 1, whereinthe portion of the EM radiation passed by each of the plurality of EMfilters is orthogonal to each other portion of the EM radiation passedby others of the plurality of EM filters.
 3. The antenna system of claim1, wherein the portion of the EM radiation passed by each of theplurality of EM filters comprises a continuous frequency segment of thewide frequency range.
 4. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein theportion of the EM radiation passed by each of the plurality of EMfilters comprises an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)defined portion of the EM radiation.
 5. The antenna system of claim 1,wherein the portion of the EM radiation passed by each of the pluralityof EM filters comprises a code division multiplexing (CDM) definedportion of the EM radiation.
 6. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein alowest frequency in the wide frequency range is at least about twice afrequency of the reference wave.
 7. The antenna system of claim 1,wherein a lowest frequency in the wide frequency range is at least aboutone terahertz (1 THz).
 8. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein alowest frequency in the wide frequency range is at least about onehundred terahertz (100 THz).
 9. The antenna system of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of tunable EM scattering elements includes a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements tunable by the portions of theEM radiation passed by the corresponding ones of the plurality of EMfilters.
 10. The antenna system of claim 9, wherein the plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements comprises a plurality ofphotodiodes.
 11. The antenna system of claim 9, wherein the plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements comprises a plurality ofphototransistors.
 12. The antenna system of claim 9, wherein theplurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements comprises aplurality of photoconductive or photoresistive elements.
 13. The antennasystem of claim 9, wherein the plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises a plurality of phase-change elementsconfigured to reversibly change phase responsive to heat deposition ofoptical radiation.
 14. The antenna system of claim 9, wherein thewireless controller is configured to modulate the plurality of opticallytunable EM scattering elements at a frequency of at least about one (1)gigahertz.
 15. A wireless antenna controller, comprising: anelectromagnetic (EM) emitter configured to controllably emit EMradiation of a frequency range to a plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements through a plurality of EM filters configured to pass differentsub-ranges of the frequency range to different ones of the plurality oftunable EM scattering elements, the plurality of tunable EM scatteringelements configured to operate in a plurality of different scatteringstates responsive to the sub-ranges of the frequency range; and controlcircuitry operably coupled to the EM emitter, the control circuitrycomprising at least one data storage device including computer-readableinstructions stored thereon and at least one processor operably coupledto the at least one data storage device and configured to execute thecomputer-readable instructions, wherein the computer-readableinstructions are configured to instruct the at least one processor tocontrol the EM emitter to modulate frequency content of the EM radiationto cause the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements to operatecollectively according to a plurality of different modulation patterns.16. The wireless antenna controller of claim 15, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions are configured to instruct the at leastone processor to control the EM emitter to modulate the frequencycontent of the EM radiation over time to vary the modulation patterns ofthe plurality of tunable EM scattering elements over time such that theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements scatter an EM reference waveto produce a radiated wave that carries a plurality of differentinformation streams to a plurality of different far-end locations. 17.The wireless antenna controller of claim 15, wherein a sub-range of theEM radiation passed by each of the plurality of EM filters is orthogonalto other sub-ranges of the EM radiation passed by others of theplurality of EM filters.
 18. The wireless antenna controller of claim15, wherein a sub-range of the EM radiation passed by each of theplurality of EM filters comprises a continuous frequency segment of thefrequency range.
 19. The wireless antenna controller of claim 15,wherein the different sub-ranges of the EM radiation passed by each ofthe plurality of EM filters comprise orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) defined sub-ranges of the EM radiation.
 20. Thewireless antenna controller of claim 15, wherein the differentsub-ranges of the EM radiation passed by each of the plurality of EMfilters comprise code division multiplexing (CDM) defined sub-ranges ofthe EM radiation.
 21. The wireless antenna controller of claim 15,wherein a lowest frequency in the frequency range is at least abouttwice a frequency of a reference wave the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements is configured to scatter to form a radiated wave.22. The wireless antenna controller of claim 15, wherein a lowestfrequency in the frequency range is at least about one terahertz (1THz).
 23. The wireless antenna controller of claim 15, wherein a lowestfrequency in the frequency range is at least about one hundred terahertz(100 THz).
 24. The wireless antenna controller of claim 15, wherein theplurality of tunable EM scattering elements includes a plurality ofoptically tunable EM scattering elements tunable by the sub-ranges ofthe EM radiation passed by corresponding ones of the plurality of EMfilters.
 25. The wireless antenna controller of claim 24, wherein theplurality of optically tunable EM scattering elements comprises aplurality of photodiodes.
 26. The wireless antenna controller of claim24, wherein the plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elementscomprises a plurality of phototransistors.
 27. The wireless antennacontroller of claim 24, wherein the plurality of optically tunable EMscattering elements comprises a plurality of photoconductive orphotoresistive elements.
 28. The wireless antenna controller of claim24, wherein the plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elementscomprises a plurality of phase-change elements configured to reversiblychange phase responsive to heat deposition of optical radiation.
 29. Amethod of operating an antenna system, the method comprising: applyingan electromagnetic (EM) signal to one or more feeds configured toreceive and propagate the EM signal as an EM reference wave; scatteringthe EM reference wave as a radiated wave with a plurality of tunable EMscattering elements spaced at sub-wavelength distances compared to theEM reference wave, the plurality of tunable EM scattering elementsconfigured to operate in at least two different operational states; andwirelessly controlling the plurality of tunable EM scattering elementswith a wireless controller to modulate the radiated wave over time todeliver a plurality of different information streams to a plurality ofdifferent far-end locations by modulating the plurality of tunable EMscattering elements between the plurality of different operationalstates over time; wherein wirelessly controlling the plurality oftunable EM scattering elements comprises: emitting EM radiationencompassing a wide frequency range with an EM emitter of the wirelesscontroller; passing only a portion of the EM radiation encompassing thewide frequency range with each of a plurality of EM filterscorresponding to the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements;switching the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements between the atleast two different operational states responsive to receiving theportion of the EM radiation passed by the corresponding ones of theplurality of EM filters; and varying frequency content of the EMradiation to control the plurality of tunable EM scattering elements todeliver the plurality of different information streams to the pluralityof different far-end locations.
 30. The method of claim 29, whereinpassing only a portion of the EM radiation encompassing the widefrequency range comprises passing, with each of the plurality of EMfilters, only a portion of the EM radiation that is orthogonal to eachother portion of the EM radiation passed by others of the plurality ofEM filters.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein passing only a portionof the EM radiation encompassing the wide frequency range comprisespassing, with each of the plurality of EM filters, a continuousfrequency segment of the wide frequency range.
 32. The method of claim29, wherein passing only a portion of the EM radiation encompassing thewide frequency range comprises passing, with each of the plurality of EMfilters, an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) definedportion of the EM radiation.
 33. The method of claim 29, wherein passingonly a portion of the EM radiation encompassing the wide frequency rangecomprises passing, with each of the plurality of EM filters, a codedivision multiplexing (CDM) defined portion of the EM radiation.
 34. Themethod of claim 29, wherein emitting EM radiation encompassing a widefrequency range comprises emitting the EM radiation with the widefrequency range having a lowest frequency that is at least about twice afrequency of the reference wave.
 35. The method of claim 29, whereinemitting EM radiation encompassing a wide frequency range comprisesemitting the EM radiation with the wide frequency range having a lowestfrequency that is at least about one terahertz (1 THz).
 36. The methodof claim 29, wherein emitting EM radiation encompassing a wide frequencyrange comprises emitting the EM radiation with the wide frequency rangehaving a lowest frequency that is at least about one hundred terahertz(100 THz).
 37. The method of claim 29, wherein wirelessly controllingthe plurality of tunable EM scattering elements comprises opticallycontrolling a plurality of optically tunable EM scattering elementstunable by the portions of the EM radiation passed by the correspondingones of the plurality of EM filters.